We are truly blessed with beautiful views across the Cheshire Plain here at Horseshoe Cottage, and the early morning sunrise diffused through autumnal mists makes for a photographers dream!The sunrises are no different and as we are away from light pollution stargazing for the ponderers amongst you is just perfect! If you are at one with nature and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the outdoors why not take advantage of our short breaks over Autumn? For only £225** you can stay in the luxury of a warm cosy cottage for 3 nights and enjoy all that Cheshire has to offer!Free Wifi (*with optional top ups), a cupboard full of board games, books and DVD's if the weather is inclement, and binoculars for the 'twitcher'. Go on...why not book now!

Our bookings are from such a diversity of people it is really hard to know what to pin our badge on, so when it comes to talking about our cottage, I always say that we cater for everyone.We get artists coming to sketch and paint in the grounds and beyond; we get a lot of families using it as a base to visit local tourist attractions; we get groups of people that are attending local weddings or functions; and we get a lot of people attending equine events at Somerford Park Farm; people from abroad that have relatives in the local area book it to use as their base for visits. We also make sure that for families, we cater for all age groups - we know what it's like to take a sulky teenager somewhere where they can't get internet access, so we provide a Wii with games, and a dongle, which also allows poor parents that still have to check into the office to access emails etc.We have high chair, cot and sterilizing equipment for the little ones, and games and toys to play with. There is also a trampoline for the children, although we do insist on proper adult supervision whilst bouncing! We provide free range eggs - when the hens are laying! Buff Orpingtons are a rare breed for a reason and whilst we love them, they aren't the best layers in the world - but their eggs are gorgeous so we enjoy them when we can get them!Being close to the Peak District and Macclesfield Forest is also great for the Outdoorsy Folk! I used Shuttlingsloe for my training when I was doing the climb up Ben Nevis for Macmillan this year. The views at the top are breathtaking and it's such a lovely walk - even the kids love that one!We have been so lucky to have welcomed some really lovely people in the last 2 years, some of which have been back two and three times. Horseshoe Cottage works it's magic to de-stress and unwind, and we would love you to try it for yourselves!

So this week has been hectic trying to get the decorating done for the new season whilst also preparing for our first weekend providing comfy beds and somewhere warm and welcoming for our Active Riders! Because of our close proximity to the fabulous Somerford Park Farm we are the perfect choice for riders wanting a bit of comfort after a hard days ride, with our Hot Tub giving a chance to soothe those aching muscles.We are really looking forward to welcoming riders from all backgrounds who are looking for somewhere to stay where they can combine riding activities with somewhere to unwind in the peace and tranquility of the Cheshire countryside. We have residents of up and coming Pony Club Camps taking advantage of our accommodation, and with the Farm Ride literally passing our door it is perfectly positioned for non riders to watch the riders go by. And we always give our horsey friends a little treat too! :)Tel: 07766141163 / Email: alison@somerfordhallfarm.co.uk

Each and every year I attempt to see how much money I can avoid giving to Tesco's and the such like. This year was no exception, and as I sowed my free packets of seeds from my monthly subscription to Kitchen Garden magazine in the greenhouse in March, I looked forward to a bountiful harvest of Aubergines, Courgettes, Peppers, Potatoes (salad and main crop) Runner Beans, Tomatoes Raspberries, Strawberries, Peas, Onions and Shallots, Lettuce and a couple of pumpkin plants that a friend donated. I also sowed some wild flower seeds directly into the waste patch at the bottom of the garden where I am trying to encourage bees to visit, and some giant hollyhocks and foxgloves. Well, we have been through the difficult season, and as any gardener will tell you this year has been a particular challenge with the excess water situation - need I say more? So I was really pleased with my harvest - I did indeed manage to avoid buying any veg (apart from the odd cauliflower, and jacket potato) from anyone, and when I did I dutifully took my bag for life to Congleton Farmers Market and filled up with fresh produce from local suppliers. We are really lucky here in Cheshire in that we have the pick of local suppliers to provide everything we could possibly need to get by. We use Glebe Farm Shop in Astbury for our Breakfast Hampers, which provide our guests with their first meal after a late arrival, and saves a trek to the shops as soon as they arrive! This includes free range sausages, and bacon, free range eggs, tomatoes, mushrooms, baked beans, fresh bread, butter, milk, cereal, and biscuits, and all from local suppliers. We also leave enough tea, coffee and sugar for a couple of brews, toilet paper, kitchen roll and if you are only here for a short stay, you shouldn't need to buy anything if you are eating your midday and evening meals out!